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Savory Tater Tot Casserole

Such a simple recipe, but so tasty! Moist inside and crispy on top. This casserole, made quickly and easily with frozen tater tots and cream of chicken soup, is a complete meal in one pan.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 7 people
Calories 2972.3 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch Glass Baking Dish
  • 1 Cooking Spray
  • 1 Large Skillet For browning beef and sautéing aromatics
  • 1 Spatula For spreading soup and stirring beef
  • 1 Whisk For combining soup mixture

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
  • ½ onion chopped
  • 4 cups frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 19 ounce can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 32 ounce package frozen potato rounds

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray a 9x13-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Spread hamburger into bottom of pan, covering entire bottom, gently tamping beef down. Sprinkle with onion. Layer frozen veggies as next layer. Cover with soup, straight from the can, carefully spreading with a spatula to cover entirely.
  • Layer tater tots on top, covering the entire top with tots. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until hamburger is done. Check after 30 minutes; if tots are getting too brown, turn down to 350 degrees F (190 degrees C). Karriej

Notes

Chef's Notes: This recipe offers a comforting base, but a few professional touches can significantly elevate it.1. Brown the Beef: Always brown your ground beef separately before adding it to the casserole dish. Drain any excess fat. This develops a deeper, richer flavor through the Maillard reaction and prevents a greasy final product. Season aggressively with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder or smoked paprika during browning.2. Aromatics: Sauté the chopped onion with the beef until softened. Consider adding minced garlic for an extra layer of flavor.3. Enhance the Soup: Cream of chicken soup provides a base, but it can be bland. Whisk in a splash of milk or chicken broth, a spoonful of Dijon mustard, and a pinch of dried thyme or poultry seasoning to add complexity.4. Cheese Layer: For added richness and a gooey texture, consider adding a layer of shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese over the cream of chicken soup before adding the tater tots.5. Crispy Tots: To ensure maximum crispiness, consider tossing the tater tots with a tablespoon of oil and a pinch of salt before layering. Check for even browning and adjust oven temperature, or finish under a broiler for a minute or two if needed (watch carefully!).